Bellew title shot 'could be Stateside'

Last update The 11/06/2013 at 09:28 - Published on 11/06/2013 at 17:11

By Eurosport - The 11/06/2013 at 09:28

Tony Bellew will likely have to travel to the US for his second world title challenge against WBC light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson.

Bellew’s decision victory over Isaac Chilemba at London’s O2 Arena on May 25 made him the mandatory challenger for the belt held at the time by ‘Bad’ Chad Dawson.

But following Stevenson’s emphatic 76-second knockout of Dawson to claim the strap, Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn admitted his hopes of getting the bout in 'The Bomber’s' home town of Liverpool have diminished as a result as Stateside interest in the Haiti-born Canadian.

“The game changed a little bit because it was such an impressive victory,” Hearn told the Liverpool Echo.

“Much really depends on HBO’s stance on it. If they are not interested in Stevenson then there is a great chance the fight will be in Liverpool. If HBO want Stevenson then it is more likely that the fight will be over there.”

He added: “When you have just become world champion then the last thing you want to do is travel to the UK for a mandatory defence.

“But we will make them an offer and do everything we can to get him over here.

“But if the finances make sense then Tony has already told me that he would be happy to go over there.

“We want it over here but if a big broadcaster over there gets behind Stevenson then it makes it virtually impossible.

“But if Tony has to go to America then we will make sure he gets a fair crack of the whip and gets a nice pay day.”